The Spaniard arrived from Chelsea for a club-record fee of around £37 million from Chelsea in January, and initially struggled under the reign of David Moyes.

Mata was played in a wide left position a number of times under the Scot in a role that was unsuited to a player who thrives when playing as a 'number 10' in the centre.

The former Blues star is set to be given the position he covets for the coming campaign under new manager Louis van Gaal, with the Dutchman ready to use a 3-5-2 formation.

The 26-year-old will be deployed behind Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, and the Spain international has indicated that he is targeting more goals and assists this term in an interview with the Daily Mail.

He said: "My mission is to assist and score. I can do that from this position and I hope I can have a great season. But more importantly it has to be a great season for the team. This system is difficult and it’s difficult to adapt. You have to be very fit, for example.

"I hope it will be [perfect] for me. I feel comfortable in that position. I can play as a midfielder defensively or as a striker offensively if that’s what I have to do."

Mata also indicated the need to "get back up" after a harrowing season last term that culminated with the club's lowest-ever Premier League position of seventh.

The Red Devils failed to adapt to Moyes' methods and struggled throughout the campaign, but the La Roja technician believes this coming campaign will be totally different under the guidance of new boss Van Gaal.

"We are facing a new season with new goals," he added. "It’s a new era and we have a new manager and players. It’s a new chance to show that this club can fight for titles. So, yes, it’s time to get back up."

The Van Gaal era gets underway with a visit from Swansea City on Saturday lunchtime, and the former Netherlands manager is understood to be keen to add to his squad before the September 1 transfer deadline.

Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera have joined for a combined £60 million, but LVG is understood to be keen to add at least one central defender alongside a new midfielder.

How many goals can Mata score this season?

Paul Gorst

A sports reporter for the Daily Mirror, Paul divides his time with Mirror Online alongside Sports Mole and TOPPS Kick. Paul has been a football writer for around five years and has had his work featured by the likes of Mail Online, LFC.tv, the Liverpool Echo and Mercury Press agency amongst others.